The Cocoon Project

The person in charge is disgusting, he does not respect the agreed payment agreements, the stay included supposedly breakfast and then he wanted to charge more, he treats his employees and clients very badly and for being in a place in the mountains he makes noise with his music, he thinks he is a DJ, terrible!

Hey team,

I stayed nearby at a different hostel. Please be mindful of the surroundings, many other guests at our place had to put up with your loud and mindless music over the weekends. Not ideal for people who are looking for a calm and peaceful stay in the mountains. It causes inconvenience for everyone around.

Wishing you the best otherwise!

Really loud and has no respect for the neighbourhood. You will hear their music blasting till 10.30 pm and like real blasting.

They actually destroy peace in the mountain. Shame on you

Before I share the review, i must say that i am an avid traveller, i conduct my own photography oriented tours. Am used to staying in minimal, eco friendly properties and have no hassles with room sizes.

Let me start the review with a positive. I fortunately there's only one positive about this place and it is it's location. And all positive end here.

This is a farce in the name of eco friendly minimal property. The owner/manager is totally indifferent to your discomfort. Service is non existent and staff is arrogant and indifferent again.

We had two rooms to be used between 3 people. I was allotted Room no. 2. It was dirty and in shabby condition. Bathroom in particular was in deplorable condition. No soap was provided and i could get one after repeated requests. The comode was leaking profusely. The bed was squeeking throughout the night.

In terms of food, they have hardly any option available and is exhorbitantly expensive. I mean they openly tell you that we can order breakfast like poha etc even for lunch and dinner.

We complained and when one friend opted out after looking at room condition, we decided to retain both rooms and stay as single occupancy.

On complaining about the room condition, they refused to change my room despite having one room still available. Reason for refusal was that they had more guests coming there next day. They didn't even want to shift me and repair the room and allocate it to the guest coming there next day. In fact the incharge stayed totally indifferent to the entire thing. Instead he wanted both of us to again use one room.

In short, they are pulling a farce in the name of eco friendly property. If you are on drugs and do not care about how the room is, you will enjoy. But if you are going there hoping to enjoy your stay in peace and tranquility, then my advice is stay away.

In my opinion, if the owner cannot even maintain the property and provide basic services, they have no right to open them and should be closed down permanently.

Stayed here in 2022, and couple of things were wrong with this place with respect to the prices they charge. Ofcourse I don't know if that's the case now but here's my personal experience:

1. The heaters didn't work consistently (i say heaters because we had three rooms).
2. Sofa was broken before we checked in (and as a result it broke while two of us were sitting on it).
3. Paint work was going on outside the rooms on all days of stay, in spite of requesting the staff not to do it as the fumes were filling up the rooms. But no, that didn't stop.
4. Fidel - now this guy in particular was irritating. It's ok to have rules, but walk the talk man! Please understand that not everyone will like your choice of music especially when you're the only one inebriated (and you don't play techno, you play progressive). Don't get me wrong, your first impression is very nice but that lasts only a few seconds. You are not a hospitable person even when people are following the rules.
We came to cocoon to relax, given how isolated it is even while being connected.
But heaters, fumes, broken furniture, and a person in-charge who is not respectful made us cut the stay short.

There are two good things that work for cocoon though - the location and the food. Is the food expensive? Maybe, it depends on individuals. But Freshly cooked food in a cozy room in a cold weather is the only reason I'll probably go back there.

Will I ever stay here? Ummm, no. There is potential, but this place is not worth returning - Just one man's opinion, your experience can be different here.

We were a group of 3 that recently stayed at the apartment property. Our experience however isn’t what we expected. It was very unsatisfactory.

- We understand the Cocoon Project operates as a community building space, but the cost of the room says otherwise. While we don’t expect room service, we do want the room quality as per what we’re paying.

- The heater was as good as nonfunctional and the window glass was broken as well. And we were there in the month of December which is extremely cold.

- The geyser wasn’t operational for the 4 days out of 7 days that we were there. And even when they fixed it, it was enough warm water for just 1 person.

- while constantly asking the staff about the new year plans, there was no response from their end and were very secretive about the same which we didn’t appreciate since we were staying there especially for the music scene.

Overall, anyone visiting this place we would a suggest a short day visit instead of a longer stay as the ambience of the common space is a must to experience in Dharamkot.

A boutique resort/ project which takes your breath away. It’s setting is it’s ups, it truly slows you down and engulfs you in the quiet and tranquil atmosphere. It has only 4 rooms and 3 apartments within the Chopra bungalow grounds. The staff Abhishek, Arun, madam chef were absolutely afable, warm and courteous. The food that we had was absolutely fabulous. They also serve some amazing cocktails alongside the regular beers and other liquors. We stayed at the apartment which are massive, very tastefully done up, spotless with a functional kitchenette which had a water filter so we were not aimlessly buying packaged water. They had a techno music night on one of the days of our stay, which went on well into the night until the downpour stopped it. We would definitely visit again. A special thanks to Richard who coordinated with our bookings and made have some tips and suggestions. We spent some lovely time here.

Place looks nice. The staff no thanks. We literally took an hour to find this place, staff were so unwelcoming. My friend had ONE beer in the hand, the owner told him to throw it away. That was ridiculous, There was literally no one there, we were going to consume a lot (drink and food). So for me, it is not about the beer my friend had from outside, it shows how unkind the owner is.we left after 5 minutes and will never be back

The ambience the food and above all MUSIC. OUTSTANDING. We just grooved to the rhythm. The location was fab. But probably the whole mood was set by music. If u r looking for a spectacular view and be just completely in an aloof place then this is the place to be.

The place is good but they impose a lot of restrictions, they don't allow bon fire, music and one can not bring his own alcohol.the manager forces you to buy their alcohol and nothing of this is sort is written on booking site.

What a beautiful place! Stay, good and the views are to die for. I’m definitely coming back with more friends

I was lucky to have stayed at The Cocoon on my first trip to Mcleodgunj. The staff, Richard & Sahil, were very courteous and helpful. Food was frikkin amazing. And the owner Tareeq was the best host ever. His weekend DJ gig is crazy good. I really enjoyed the the music amidst the amazing landscape that the place has been built around. 10/10 would recommend. The rooms were pretty neat n clean too. Good luck for the future boys!

Its not your ordinary hotel, its an immersive indulgence to be staying at The Cocoon Project.

Is the room clean, lovely and has heater? Yes. Is there delicious food at the café? Yes. Is the staff always welcoming and very helpful? Yes. Would you find the happy mountain dogs to fall in love with? Yes.

But the thing that sets this place apart is, Taariq's music and Richard's care. Every Saturday Taariq smiles with some brilliant techno music at the edge of the Café. Speakers in the middle of jungle, stars and a bonfire to keep you warm. And while you lose to the music, Richard will be there to take care of all your absurd food/ drink demands (even if it’s off the menu). The Cocoon Project is somehow, in the middle of nowhere, managing to create a community for artists, painters and people with warmth, which hosts a techno party (in my experience) every evening. So if a jungle techno concert if your Jam, stay at the Cocoon Project, the hidden gem of McLeod Ganj!

My stay at this property amidst the deodar and pine trees was absolutely magical, the staff is friendly and hands on with everything, the cafe has a very laid back vibe while keeping up with the image of it being unique, if music, books, great conversations, and even greater food is your thing, this is the place to visit. I have been coming to dharamkot for years now, and I have not found a place as great as this, you will right at home.

The property is nice, although the presence of a community was nowhere to be seen, they do charge you like a five star but their hospitality skills fall under one star.

Some staff is nice and helpful while the one of the owner is someone you would hope that you never meet.

Some of their rules are stupid and makes you feel like you are better off to leave and continue your vacation elsewhere.pointing towards Music choice and Room Service and cleaning, rules on smoking are infact admirable as it keeps cleanliness and high IAQ.

Dharamkot is a lovely place and a must visit.
Go here for a single evening while you are in Dharamkot just for experiencing the property.

We stayed for 2 nights at the cocoon project. The overall experience was average, we had our pet dog with us and the owners dog attacked my pup in the first instant. It was a terrifying feeling to see that the manager did absolutely nothing to control his dog who was literally coming to bite my dog. This happened twice. The place is definitely not pet friendly, we couldn't even leave our dog outside to let her pee because of their dogs. There was no empathy or sympathy towards this, which was outright offensive. We just ended up trapping ourselves in the room or went out because we couldn't explore the property because none of the staff would help us do so. Even when Id let the host know beforehand that I've a dog and if it would be okay to bring her into their environment he assured me that his dogs were friendly. Secondly, the manager Richard was just arrogant from the get go. For someone who is in the same business, there was absolutely zero hospitality or warmth. It was as if he was doing us a favour by letting his room out. The plumbing in the room we got was not functional and the pot was overflowing. When we informed the manager about this, he didn't care to visit us or apologise. They just sent the helper who made us shift our room and to top it off even the second rooms plumbing was faulty. I'd say the helper was the sweetest on the whole property. We paid 9k for two nights and it felt absolutely unworthy because of the treatment we recieved, even though the rooms were artfully done we couldn't enjoy it. Really disappointed in this place and its people.

“The vibe is created by people around” is what the DJ/composer/owner of the place/host/artist told us and at the same time destroyed our vibe/mood/fun/peace/expectations with his rude/impolite/unpleasant attitude…

we were guests to your city and customers to your place and were very decently enjoying the Vibe their, but your unprofessional staff who was DRUNK/High totally didn’t had any idea of what we were asking him to bring, super rude and nonsense replies he was giving but still we ignored that and continued to enjoy your tracks until you rudely stopped the music and gave a lecture on shutting the door of the empty table-room as the blower was switched on.that was when the last hope to stay at the place was lost somewhere in the jungle. You could’ve easily asked your staff to switch off the blower rather than lecturing/moral policing your customers to shut the door.

You might be a very well educated & a professional artist, but the ones on the other side of the Dj table are also equally important and may be more contributing to the nature/society than you. So when you are a host u’ve to show basic hospitality to your customers/visitors.

Long story short -
* The food was delicious but the serving staff was dishonourable.

* The techno music was really great but the DJ was disrespectful.

* The architecture of the place was unbelievably awesome but the owner was disgusting.

It’s like a mustang driven by a learner’s license holder.

Stayed here in October 2021

The Pros:
-BRILLIANT location!
-Good price for the rental
-Great vibe around the Cafe
-Good food!
-Very close to Mcleodganj Market
- A good concept overall, if implemented well

The Cons:
-Staff is arrogant. They don't seem to have a lot of patience, something that one must have in hospitality business.
-Heaters not working in some rooms
-Very low quality beds. If you are on the heavier side beware.
- Generally the rooms are slightly neglected. They aren't as bad but just a little neglected
-Food is expensive

Before we arrived at Dharmsala we had asked the owner/manager/caretaker to arrange for bonfire. He very kindly agreed. When we actually went there and asked him where the bonfire was, he said that they don't arrange bonfires in October as it is not very cold during that time. He forgot that for people living in Maharashtra, 14 degree is Very Cold! Overall this place is not very customer centric. The owners have clearly created this place with a lot of passion and dedication, but the customer is clearly not at the centre of their strategy.

I will still recommend this place for its brilliant ambience and a good concepg. I am not however sure if people will repeat their stay if they were to visit Dharmsala again.

It was my first time visiting Dharamkhot and this initiation wouldn’t have been better without my stay at The Cocoon Project. It’s not a hotel, it’s not a restaurant, it’s not a cafe - it’s a VIBE! My friends and I stayed there for the weekend which was too short a trip for me:) It felt like coming home where words are unnecessary, and everything is laid bare to feel. Our stay was comfortable, food was great (desserts were extraordinary!) and people were unobtrusively welcoming - just the way I like! I am surely coming back for the location, the food, the music, the company and overall for (re) finding myself!

(My dog Kiki got bit by one of theirs’ which was unfortunate so I am keeping a star. No harm was done though and their dogs are great with all the guests)

No menu so be aware guys, they charge 5star price for the food items, I myself paid for banana smoothie 450 rupees.owner is very rude and they'll just rob u in the day light.

The Cocoon Project is exactly what the name suggests. Ideas on a home away from home in the midst of unspoiled sylvan setting. The hosts are young persons who are well educated and well traveled. The homestay idea combines with a music studio, studio apartments, rooms and an art studio in the making.
The Cafe and the kitchen are accessible to guests who can order their choice of food.
And love of music is the spirit of the Cicoon Project. There is music all day long and music and sound experts mix music on weekends which is not to be missed.
It is an experience.and still evolving.

The staff is highly arrogant. They treat their guests as inmates and they themselves become tha jailor. Except providing the keys of the room and collecting the payment, the staff has nothing to do with the customers.

For them more arrogance make u looks more professional.just because of their indecent and highly unprofessional dealing, our tour was spoiled.

Highly avoidable.

Nestled in the pine tree forest, away from the crowded streets, into a space where music and art meet, thoughtfully curated is a little Haven!

It's a amazing place Cocooned in the midst of the nature, The place has such a good vibes that we couldn't notice how time flew. The food and beverage is yum and location is just majestic and out of this world. The location is good for sure but can't say the same about the management which to le prima facie looked arrogant

Such a peaceful, serene place. A hidden gem truly. Tucked in between the tall trees of McLeodganj, this extremely pretty cafe is the best place in town. You are greeted by the owners of the restaurant who are always keen on a quick chat & are happy to pass their recommendations. Old world charm, elevated by great coffee and food. Highly recommend this place

My stay in Mcleodganj will be forever memorable 'coz I found this beautiful, picture-perfect place. Bang in the middle of the woods, surrounded by pine trees! If you are looking for some chill and inspiring downtime, away from city life, this place is ideal. Little fascinating details all around, yummiest mushroom and cream soup (ordered almost every night) and fairly reasonable on the pocket for the kind of setting. Comfortable stay and an unforgettable vibe. Yes, the owner does believe he owns Mcleodganj! Lol. But he plays some real good techno. And has set up a cool place and team of people together. P. S: He only smiles on Saturdays.

Amazing staff, great rooms and a lovely vibe.stayed for a week and didn't want to leave!
their in house cafe had some really good food, drinks and coffee to die for!

This place is an experience. Food, interior, ambience, surroundings and people, everything is just too perfect. Wish could give more than 5 stars.

Visited cocoon project with my friends for some drinks and dinner. Loved the space, beautifully designed and great music. Cocktails were worth it! Will surely visit again.

The most cocooned place one can find.peaceful amidst the forest.great brunches and great baking.their homemade breads and bagels are top notch.amazing vibe and Yasmine and Tariq make sure you feel at home.also don’t miss a great co working space

Loved this place, a very special atmosphere and very welcoming. Peaceful location in the forest with easy access, close to Dharamkot village and McLeod-Gang. The food is amazing and the staff were always super helpful.

We could not even enter the road leading to the hotel. There were so many cars and debris on the road that we could barely reach Hyatt and no further. Thanks to Jasleen who tried her best to remove the encroachments but no go.
Sorry Jasleen we missed a good stay